It is universally allowed that the study of nature is one of the most
pleasing employments that can engage the mind of man. The entertainment it
affords is as infinite as the variety of subjects of which it is composed;
and such a vast field of speculation lies open to our view, either in the
animal, vegetable, or mineral worlds, that each of them is fully sufficient
to engross the attention of a single person. It must be allowed, that the
study of natural history is so far from having attained that degree of
perfection it might have done, by the assiduity of the curious, that it
cannot, at present, be considered as having attained its meridian; and the
slow manner in which it arrived even to that, has subjected us very much to
the reflections of foreigners; many of whom appear surprised, that a
nation, not inferior to others in every branch of science and knowledge,
should discover so great a want of curiosity, and little attention to a
study that has been productive of so many advantages to mankind, and
probably, may hereafter produce many more. Certainly, such opportunities
for improvement never presented themselves in this kingdom, as in the
present age. All corners of the world are visited by our ships; the
remotest shores of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, are not unknown to
our countrymen; but feel the effects of that insatiable thirst for traffic
and gain, that animates the present generation. Every lover, therefore, of
this study must naturally hope, that such noble occasions of increasing the
knowledge of nature, may not be neglected. It is indeed true, that the
number of its votaries, in England, are but few, in proportion to other
states, where professorships and societies are established under the
patronage and protection of the chief personages: yet if we consider it as
affording an inconceivable fund of entertainment to its followers, it is
rather to be wondered it is not more encouraged and propagated among us,
than that we should find a few who have resolution enough to judge for
themselves, and follow a study that is always new and always pleasing. The
sneers and contempt thrown on it by men of narrow minds, who are impatient
at hearing of persons bestowing their time in collecting a plant, an
insect, or a stone, may perhaps contribute {xiii}not a little to prevent
its progress; but whatever character may be stamped, either upon the study,
or its professors, by such persons; it is certain, none but men fit to be
placed in the first rank, have usually philosophy enough to prompt them to
make enquiries into the works of nature. To some the task appears too
arduous, to others too intricate, and to the generality too trifling; who
are apt to look with contempt on every pursuit that does not coincide with
their own opinions; nor must we, from vulgar minds, expect any conclusions
in its favour: with these, a horse, a dog, or a cock, seem to bound the
utmost limits of their gratifications. But men of refined tastes will judge
otherways. They know that the inexhaustible store of entertainment nature
affords in the contemplation of her works, is unbounded. It is not to be
enjoyed all at once; the more we pursue, the more we shall possess, in
proportion as we manifest a greater or less ardour. Nor is the serene
placid enjoyment found therein, to be measured by the common gratifications
of sense; as these often leave stings behind that worry the soul, and
subvert the end they intended to promote; while the other offers to us its
friendly aid, replete with happiness, health, and peace. And further, if
the contemplation of the works of the Sovereign Architect, tends to promote
that serious and attentive state of mind which disposes men to the pursuit
of virtue, in order to be happy; and if the knowledge and practice of
virtue are the means of supporting the mind through all the difficult
passages and rugged paths of life; the naturalist bids as fair to be happy
as any of the human race. His pleasures are not chequered by remorse, or
damped by despair; his pursuits leave no horrors on the mind, or clash with
the duty he owes his Maker, his neighbour, or his prince; his conscience
suffers not for the indulgence of his mind, nor has repentance need to
stalk behind him with an uplifted arm, for injustice committed on his
fellow-creatures; on the contrary, it is for them ultimately his labours
are pursued, for them he inquires into the various arcana of nature; every
part of the earth is searched for their benefit, and its bowels are torn
out and examined for their advantage.
On the other hand, if we consider natural history as connected with
religion, we shall find them so interwoven and blended together as not to
be separated. In this view we shall find it the best adapted for opening
the mind, enlarging its conceptions, and giving us the most exalted ideas
of the Deity, of any science whatever, astronomy not excepted, whose study,
however noble it may be thought, tends not more to the same improvement;
for certainly the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Almighty are as
conspicuous in the smallest objects, as those of the first magnitude, if
_great_ and _little_ be only relative terms. If, therefore, natural history
is able to accomplish this, nothing surely can afford a more effectual cure
for infidelity. For whoever heard of a naturalist being an atheist? or of
an infidel, who had spent his life in studying and observing the works of
nature? I believe none will hesitate to pronounce the man, who has made any
considerable progress in this study, and who could entertain thoughts so
injurious to the honour of his Maker, to be a more wonderful being than any
that ever went before him.
{xiv}The train of reflections that arise from these considerations, is
greater than is consistent with the plan I have prescribed to myself in
these pages. If the reader is desirous of being further informed of the
uses and advantages of natural history, I shall refer him to
Stillingfleet's Tracts, taken from the Amoenitates Academicæ, published at
Upsal; where he may be acquainted with many curious and interesting
particulars, which I have not room to insert here; my speculations having
been confined to one single branch (insects) I shall only mention such
observations relative thereto as may be proper for an introduction of this
kind.
Insects may, with great truth, be considered as a rank of beings so
wonderful and extraordinary, as to strike with astonishment every observer,
if we regard either their structure, powers, or use; and creatures, who, at
the same time that they challenge our regard, loudly proclaim the wisdom,
goodness, and omnipotence of their great Creator. If their shape and beauty
are capable of attracting our notice, their ways of living are no less
adapted for exciting our admiration; and the more we enquire into their
nature and history, the more occasion we shall find for confessing this
great truth, "nothing is created in vain." The wondrous manner in which
numbers of them pass their lives, during their first states, is unknown to
the greater part of mankind. Most people, indeed, know that a Caterpillar
produces a Butterfly; but thousands of persons do not know that a
Caterpillar is a Butterfly in disguise, as Dr. Lister ingeniously
observes,[7] and as Swammerdam[8] proved to the great Duke of Tuscany, by
stripping off the external skins, and displaying the butterfly concealed
beneath them. Many persons are ignorant that plants (even of the most
poisonous nature) are the beloved and favourite food of some species of
insects, and that what is wholesome and nourishing to one, is pernicious
and destructive to another. Who would believe that the hard substance of
the soundest Oak was capable of being macerated by an insect, and received
into its stomach as food? that it should there yield a proper nutriment for
its growth, and that nothing but a substance as hard and firm as that could
possibly contribute to the creature's health and increase? Who would
imagine that a colony of Ants, an insect so contemptible in size,
considered singly, were capable of making animals, of considerable bulk and
strength, retreat from them as from a formidable enemy?[9] Who would
suspect that numbers of insects are appointed to live, during the greatest
part of their lives, within the bodies of other animals, many of whom
receive no material injury thereby; some become frantic and {xv}diseased,
and others are doomed to perish, and by their deaths give birth to these
their inbred enemies? Who, that is a stranger to natural history, would
believe that there are insects destined to live in the waters many months,
where their principal employment is the destruction of animals less than
themselves, on whom they feed and thrive, till they become inhabitants of
the air, when their lives are terminated in a few weeks, perishing by the
depredations of old age, if they are lucky enough to escape the power of
other animals stronger than themselves? Yet such are the truths existing in
nature; truths known to every one conversant with this study. In short,
there is no part of the kingdom of nature, where so many wonders are
unfolded to us, as in this of insects.
Nor are they to be considered in that contemptible light in which the
generality of mankind are apt to place them. We are too prone to think
every thing noxious and unnecessary, if we are not fully acquainted with
its use. "The poor Beetle that we tread on," serves to fill up an order of
beings, as useful and proper in the economy of nature, as that of a
partridge or a hare, whose preservation and increase we are so solicitous
for. Many others, whose very sight create the most disagreeable sensations,
are not less useful and proper, under the same predicament. The carcases of
dead animals, which, when putrid, send forth a most nauseous stench, would
remain so for a great length of time, were it not for the various kinds of
Flesh Flies, who, by depositing their eggs there, help to consume it very
quickly, and prevent a continuance so offensive to our nostrils and health.
Many kinds of insects are to be found here in England, in great plenty,
who, it is highly probable, by a close enquiry into their natures might be
rendered very serviceable to us, either mediately or immediately. The blue
Dung Beetle (Scarabæus Stercorarius of Linnæus) found in great plenty in
July, under horse-dung and cow-dung, it is not unlikely may yield effects,
either in medicine or dyeing, that at present we are ignorant of. It is
certain, it abounds with salts that are strong and pungent; but the
examination of them must be left to time, and the enquiry of some ingenious
person.
The Meloe Proscarebeus of Linnæus, or English Oil Beetle, described by
Moffat, lib. i. cap. 23., also by Godartius in Lister's translation, number
120. yields an oil by expression in considerable quantity, which is used in
Sweden, with the greatest success, in the cure of the rheumatism, by
bathing the afflicted part. Of this I have been well assured by an
ingenious physician who resided there. Might not the same effects be
expected from it here as there? Its virtues, I imagine, are not confined to
a single country; nor can I suppose the different situations of them will
prevent its being equally efficacious here as in Sweden. However, it is
certainly worth while to make the experiment.[10]
{xvi}The Cantharides or Spanish Flies, is a species of insect every one has
heard of. They are brought us from abroad, and used medicinally; but
principally to raise blisters. For these we pay great sums of money to
foreign countries: but a proper examination into the nature of insects
might save us the necessity of doing so; for let me not be disbelieved,
when I say this very species of the cantharides is found in England.[11]
Might not, therefore, a close inquiry into the subject, spare us the
trouble and expense of applying to foreigners for this article? But are the
medicinal virtues of the cantharides confined entirely to that species? Is
there none other found in England, answering the same purpose, which we
might have by seeking for? If I am not mis-informed, there is. The Musk
Beetle, or Cerambix Moschata of Linnæus, is found on the bodies of
willow-trees in the month of July, or sooner, if the weather is favourable.
This insect, I have been confidently informed by an eminent surgeon (the
late Mr. Guy) who tried it, has the same virtues, and produces the same
effects as the cantharides; being capable, when properly prepared, of
procuring a strong blister in as short a space of time as the other.
Whether there is not other insects to be found in this kingdom, whose
properties, when examined, might be found similar to the cantharides, is a
matter that time only will clear up.
I cannot here pass unmentioned the effects of ants, whose volatile
effluvia, arising from their colonies or nests is so great, that a hand
rubbed thereon, and applied immediately to the nose of a fainting person,
exhilarates and refreshes equal to the spirit of hartshorn, or what is
called sal volatile.
Such are the known medicinal uses of insects; and under the article of
clothing they serve us in a more conspicuous manner. To many thousands of
persons they afford the means of living with comfort and happiness. Even
kings are indebted to them for their grandest garments. Immense fortunes
have been procured, by their means, to persons in trade, and the great
number of people who daily subsist by manufacturing silk, either by
spinning, weaving, or dyeing it, have the greatest reason to thank
Providence for the institution of this insect. To the last, the Cochineal
(Coccinella Cacti of Linnæus) affords him the power of giving our silks and
cloths the most beautiful and lasting colours; being without it unable to
produce such proofs of his ingenuity; not to mention many other occasions
wherein this insect is peculiarly serviceable. Nor is there any part of the
world where they do not directly, or secondarily, serve mankind for food.
In every kingdom of the earth, where they are to be found, shrimps, prawns
and crabs are eaten by all ranks and degrees of people, if animal food is
allowed them; and our cray-fish or lobsters must not {xvii}be excluded from
the same order. The Locust represented in Plate 50. Fig. 2. is eaten by
many tribes, and, I may say, nations of people, in Asia and Africa. These
animals are frequently driven from their native soils, by strong winds,
into foreign countries, where, for several days together, by their
inconceivable numbers, they obscure the light of the sun, and make the
inhabitants tremble for their vegetables. It is at those times the Asiatics
and Africans gather them, and eat them with much delight, dressing them,
either by stewing, or frying them with oil; they also pickle and sell them
publicly in some of the markets of the Levant, and many other parts.
The caterpillar belonging to Fig. 1. of Plate 38. which I have mentioned in
my description of that insect to be eaten in the West Indies, and
considered as a dainty, is sought for by those persons who are admirers of
that food, in the most diligent manner; and I have been informed, by
gentlemen of undoubted veracity, that so exceedingly delighted are they
with it, as to employ negroes on no other business but to go into the woods
on purpose to procure these caterpillars, by digging them out of the bodies
of certain trees, the only places where they are to be found. Perhaps the
cossi of the Romans, a kind of food we are told they were much delighted
with, might be a species not much unlike this; however that be, these are
considered as amply recompensing, by their delicious flavour, the pains
taken to procure them.
Honey is a substance known to every one, and the agreeable liquor made from
it, which in some countries serves the inhabitants for their constant
drink, is not to be procured but by the industry of the agile bee.
In fine, the limits of this preface will not permit me to dwell minutely,
and point out the benefits mankind does, and may receive, by the
institution of this order of animals. I shall again refer my reader to the
book I mentioned before, "Stillingfleet's Tracts;" where he will find these
and many other advantages I have not mentioned, treated of in a most
ingenious manner; being the observations of some of the greatest men of the
university of Upsal in Sweden; for this reason, therefore, I shall consider
this subject no farther, but proceed to describe the plan of the work;
wherein, if the reader expects to find the insects classed in systematic
order, as well as represented, he will be greatly disappointed. It is not
my present design to enter into the scientific part of the study, by
arranging the insects according to any system now established; nor will the
reader find that I have given a single name to any one here figured. This,
indeed, must be the consequence of not following the system of any author,
unless I had formed one of my own; for it is impossible I should give names
to them, particularly trivial ones, without doing one or the other. The
calling an insect by the general appellation of moth, butterfly, &c. I
cannot consider as derogatory to what I have said. Hence I flatter myself I
shall avoid all occasion for reflection by the disciples of different
authors, in not following the method established by others; and, therefore,
my desire of giving no room for exceptions of this kind, has induced me to
follow no one whatever. By this, also, I have left it in the power of every
person to {xviii}class them according to his own fancy; and, as every one
has thus an opportunity of following his favourite author, none, I hope,
will object to a method, that will put it in his power of indulging his own
inclination.
I must here inform my readers, that this work can by no means be considered
as a complete one. The most transitory view will confirm this. Nor can I
take any merit to myself by its publication, unless the great care that has
been taken to give just and accurate figures of the subjects, in which the
different generical characters, according to the several authors I am
acquainted with, are truly represented, will entitle me to any.
Indeed, the many opportunities I have had of observing the great tendency
all kinds of insects have to perish and decay, particularly moths and
butterflies, first gave me the hint of preserving them from oblivion, by
thus delineating them on paper. For these last are of such tender and
delicate natures, that however pleasing and agreeable they may be to our
sight, they are not easily to be preserved with all their gay and striking
plumage. Our utmost care can only secure them to us a few years; and if
they are exposed to air or sunshine, we are quickly robbed of them; the
latter being capable, in a few months, of entirely destroying their
colours, and the first in as short a space, will totally consume every part
of them, leaving nothing behind but a little dust.
Hence it is, I have been induced to give figures of foreign insects. In
prosecuting which, the reader will find many that have never been described
by any author; and if the rescuing them by this method from the ravages of
time, if the delight and amusement arising from contemplating subjects of
this kind, or if an attempt to promote and encourage this branch of natural
history meets with the encouragement I hope for, I must assure the public,
no labour on my side shall be wanting to render it complete, by adding
future volumes, as the subjects I should receive from abroad, and my own
leisure, will enable me to do; and this, I flatter myself, I shall be able
to accomplish by the means of a few ingenious gentlemen situated in
different parts of the world, whose correspondence I am honoured with, and
by whose assistance I shall be able to give sometimes a tolerable history
of an insect, or as much of it as has fallen within their observation; by
which means, new subjects of speculation, some unnoticed circumstances in
insect life, may arise, that cannot fail of being an acceptable
embellishment. But I must observe, such pieces of information cannot be
expected to be numerous; for the difficulty of procuring the natural
history of foreign insects is so exceedingly great, that it is better
conceived than described. Few persons, who visit foreign countries, have
curiosity sufficient to prompt them to make such observations, or indeed
any enquiry, into the works of nature. The desire of acquiring wealth, by
the means of trade, is the grand motive that induces them to leave their
native country; observations in natural history being generally quite
foreign to their thoughts; the desire of extending their commerce, and
making their fortunes, taking entire possession of their minds, and
swallowing up every other consideration. Thus, we see, it is not from such
persons we must expect any improvements tending to promote this study; it
is {xix}only from men of a liberal and ingenious turn of mind, settled
there, that we can hope to have any information of the state of nature in
distant regions; and the scarcity of such men I have found to be exceeding
great. For these reasons the reader must not expect to find the caterpillar
and chrysalis of every insect represented. It is sufficient if I am able to
give figures of many exotics that have hitherto been unknown. The natural
history, the forms of the caterpillars, ways of life, haunts, &c. can, in
such cases, be known only to persons living on the spot, and who have
speculation enough to observe them. Whenever I receive such pieces of
information, they shall, certainly, not be withheld from the public.
When I first engaged in the business of describing the different insects
that compose the following work, I found myself surrounded with
difficulties of so unexpected a nature, that I had more than once
entertained thoughts of postponing, if not totally relinquishing so arduous
a task. Nothing but the strong desire I had of promoting the study of
natural history, could have led me to overcome a sense of my own incapacity
of writing with that precision, which the public eye demands; and,
therefore, I have reason to hope for the candid allowance of the ingenious,
to faults, which might, perhaps, escape from the pen of a _master_, on a
subject so new as the present. Among the rest, I laboured under no little
trouble from a want of knowing what names to give to many colours found on
the wings of some of the farinaceous tribe. The want of a _series_, or
standard for names to colours, is a matter much to be lamented in this
kingdom. I know no English author that has attempted it; perhaps the
arduousness of the task may be the reason it has not been done; for if we
form to ourselves an idea of the difficulty of bringing forth that
innumerable train of colours that is to be done from only a yellow, a red
and a blue, we may partly judge of the labour that man has to undergo who
shall attempt it. In my case, the great variety of tints to be found on the
insects, the harshness of some, the softness of others, together with the
manner of their running into one another, increases the difficulty, and
renders descriptions a matter of such labour, that nothing but the
strongest resolution and perseverance could overcome. From hence, I hope,
if the reader should chance to meet with any part among them, that does not
entirely correspond with the colour given to the print, he will impute it
to its proper cause, the painter. I know of no defects of this kind; but it
is not impossible some may have escaped my observation, among such a
multitude of figures which I had to correct. It is necessary I should
inform the reader, that all my descriptions have been taken from the
_natural subjects_ themselves, and not from the _coloured prints_ of them;
and that my intention therein, is not to give a perfect idea of the
insects, without the help of the figures, but only to assist the
imagination in knowing what is described. And when we consider the
advantages that good engravings have over verbal descriptions, the former
representing to the mind, at first view, the object designed to be
understood, without putting us to the trouble of calling all our ideas, all
our powers of conception to our assistance, in order to discover what is
intended to be described; {xx}while the latter, though given by the best
writers, often puzzles and confounds the mind, if our ideas do not keep
pace with the author's meaning, the present work, by having every coloured
figure explained, must render it superior to any hitherto published in this
kingdom. The last author that published any figures of exotic subjects in
natural history, was Mr. Petiver, who, in his Gazophylacium, delineated a
great variety of all the different _orders_; many of them exceeding curious
and uncommon, being collected from various parts of the world. But they
were sent forth uncoloured, and almost undescribed; circumstances that
render them less estimable by the difficulty there is, in many instances,
of knowing what the author meant; the shape of the animal, plant, &c. being
the principal, and, sometimes, the only thing, we can understand. But
although many of the figures consist of mere outlines, not exquisitely well
engraved, it is not without merit. There are a great many very uncommon
subjects exhibited, that were not known to exist in nature, till he held
them forth to public view. It is, in short, a work, that, at the same time
it manifested his desire for promoting his favourite study, was a proof of
his assiduity, affording great room for speculation; and as the present is
an improvement on his plan, I flatter myself it will not be unacceptable to
the lovers of natural history. There is yet another advantage arising from
the descriptions, that is not less than what I have already mentioned. If
this work should fall into the hands of a bookseller, after my decease, the
public would not probably be pestered with copies so execrably coloured, as
is generally the case with books of this sort, after the author's death;
the descriptions will be such a guide for colouring the prints, that
capital errors will not be able to find admittance: the grossness of
colouring a part yellow that should be red, or green, that ought to be
blue, would immediately be detected; and the publisher, for his own sake,
would undoubtedly be careful to have the prints justly and accurately done.
The experienced naturalist will perceive, that, throughout the quotations,
I have not availed myself of any of the ancient authors. I have scarcely
mentioned Mouffet, Aldrovandus, and others. It is certain, the figures to
be seen in the works of most of the ancients are so bad, I dared not give
any quotation from them. The incorrectness of the outlines, the
irregularity and impropriety of the spots and marks, together with the
looseness of the engravings, renders them too imperfect for any one to
venture mentioning them. Indeed they are, in general, so little expressive
of the insect intended to be represented, that no dependance can be had on
their figures, especially the farinaceous winged tribe. Clerck, Merian,
Roesel, Petiver, &c. are the authors I have principally mentioned, among
the iconographers; and if the insect has been figured by a great many
authors, as particularly Plate 34. Fig. 7, 8. I have only mentioned a few:
the rest may be known by looking into the Systema of Linnæus[12], under the
title mentioned in the quotation. This author is the principal one I have
quoted among the descriptive writers: his great judgment in this study, the
plain method he has laid down for the classing of insects, together with
the {xxi}excellency of his generical characters, are what must endear him
to every professor of this study. I speak only of that part relating to the
insect kingdom; the merits of the other parts are best known to those
conversant in the respective branches. I must not here pass over a
circumstance, which it is proper to apprize my readers of, by way of
apology for giving a few figures (but a few) that have been published
already in this kingdom. When I first laid down the plan of this work, I
had no intention of confining myself to those subjects that were
non-descripts; but proposed to give figures of any exotic insects that
might fall into my possession, or what I could procure drawings of, by the
assistance of those gentlemen who were friends to an attempt of this sort.
I was willing to promote this branch of natural history, by any method that
lay within the compass of my little sphere. This I was the rather prompted
to, by the consideration of its being an attempt entirely novel in this
nation, and conducted in a way different from any yet pursued. But a little
recollection convinced me I was wrong. I was soon sensible, that the giving
figures, already known and published here, could do no service to the
study, or benefit the reader; it is possible I might give a better figure
than that before published; the engraving might be softer, more delicate,
and better becoming the subject; or the colouring more exact and just: but
this would not be improving the reader's judgment, or increasing his
knowledge. In short, from that moment I altered my plan; and it is to this
mistake a few figures are inserted in different places, which have before
made their appearance in England, either separately, or mixed with other
subjects of natural history. From that time I took care to delineate none
that I was conscious had engaged the pencil of any preceding author; but
confined myself to such, whose novelty and striking appearances could not
fail to recommend them. To such non-descripts I have paid the greatest
deference; for in some of the plates, among the butterflies and moths, I
have given complete figures of both the upper and under sides; a practice
that, as deviating from my general rule, I should not have done, if the
richness and softness of the colouring had not been so extremely pleasing,
as to render it scarcely possible to dispense with it. It is only to a few
I have paid this particular respect. In general, I have given to the
butterflies, only figures of one half their under sides, but whole upper
ones; and of those moths that have no representations of their under sides,
the reader may conclude there is no material difference between their upper
and under ones, or else the latter is too poor and mean to justify the
giving a figure of it. I must just mention, that although I used this
forbearance to those figures that had been heretofore published, I by no
means meant to debar myself from representing such as had been only
_verbally_ described; as is the case with a great many to be met with in
the Systema of Linnæus, and in other authors. The refraining, therefore,
from such subjects, would have been rather condemnable than fit to be
approved, for the reasons I mentioned before, of the great difficulty there
is in understanding, sometimes, the best verbal descriptions that ever were
given; therefore figures of this kind may not improperly be considered as
explanatory, or as illustrations to {xxii}such verbal descriptions,
affording the student a two-fold pleasure, by comparing them together.
If the reader has made no progress in the study of natural history, he will
probably find it difficult to understand the several _names_, or _terms_,
the different parts of insects are called by; and which occur in every
description. For this reason I think it incumbent on me to give the most
plain and familiar explanation of them I possibly can. This I have done two
ways; by methodical definitions, and figures; and in both of them shall
make no scruple to follow the method laid down by that great master of
natural history, the judicious Linnæus, whose excellent plan, for the
knowledge and classing of insects, demands the utmost thanks and regard
from every lover of this branch of science. From his plan I have taken the
hint of giving some figures of different genera, with the proper names of
the respective parts in a plate by themselves. By these the reader will not
only be greatly assisted in understanding the descriptions; but it will
enable him to class them with more facility, if he is inclined to do so. I
therefore go on to explain, first the _terms_ used throughout the whole;
and afterwards the distinct and different _parts_ of insects. In doing
this, I divide them into
ORDER, CLASS, GENUS, and SPECIES.
_Order_, is a general term, applicable to a whole race of animals,
whereby they are distinguished from each other, as beasts, birds, fishes,
&c.[13]
_Class_, a term by which insects, as well as other animals, are divided
into their respective genera or tribes, as the farinaceous, crustaceous,
transparent, &c.[14]
_Genus_, a term dividing each class, as butterfly, moth, hawk-moth,
constitute the farinaceous (Lepidoptera); dung-beetle, lady-bird,
goat-chaffer, and many others, make up the crustaceous (Coleoptera);
cockroach, locust, bug, and some others, form the semi-crustaceous
(Hemiptera, Linn.), &c.[15]
_Species_, a term comprehending a distinct or individual sort in each
genus, as the pearl-bordered, admirable, skipper, &c. among the
butterflies; egger, drinker, peppered, &c. among moths, &c.